FIRST RE-ACTION OF WAR 1939

LEINSTER LEADER 9 September 1939

“BLACK-OUTS” 

PEOPLE CO-OPERATE WITH AUTHORITIES 

FIRST RE-ACTION OF WAR

As a result of the crisis caused by the European situation emergency measure have had to be taken in towns all over the country as a precaution against all raids, and for the past few nights the people of Naas experienced the novel sensation of walking about in streets and are almost wholly is darkness. This is part of the A.R.P. scheme organised by the government as all important towns are required to have a “black-out”, every night until further notice. The “black-out” consists of extinguishing all illuminations except those that are absolutely essential for the guidance of motorists and pedestrians.

ATHY

Since the war broke out last Sunday over 70 men and women, many of them with their families have returned to Athy from England, where they were working. Scores of volunteers and Irish Army Reserves have been called up and a considerable number of Athy Recourses have left for England to report for active services. Athy householders have begun laying in stores of foodstuffs and fuel.

MONASTEREVAN

In response to the request for co-operation by the responsible authorities a complete “black-out” occurred in Monasterevan, commencing on Saturday night last and continuing all week the result being most satisfactory to the authorities at any rate, the resident finding locomotion difficult at first but, gradually becoming used to the darkness.

The usual precautionary measures to safe guard the viaduct have been taken, a detachment of military being on duty at railway bridge.

RATHANGAN

Old and decrepit residents, we are informed are the only people who are pre-judicially affected by the “black-out” which is being chillingly carried out in Rathangan. The rest of the townfolk say that the electric lightning is such a comparatively recent innovation that they do not miss it. No accident occurred.

 Re-typed by Lynn Potts